Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Carlin or Lesser Indian Spitz? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)" Compare Maltese and Pug. Which is better: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Maltese	Pug	Indian Spitz (Smaller)
Origins	Italy	China	India
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	31	429
Reviews	3	13	2
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Carlin Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff Mops	Lesser Indian Spitz Smaller Indian Spitz
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Maltese or Pug or Pug? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) weight comparison:	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)	11-15 pounds (5-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)	13 pounds (6 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)	9 inches (22.5 cm)

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Which is more expensive?	$600-$800	$300-$500	Unknown
Availability Which is easier to get, Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) intelligence:	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Very smart: Indian Spitz (Smaller) is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) trainability comparison.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Pug dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Pug dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Cheerful	Active Playful Intelligent Loyal Kind Athletic Communicative
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Pug dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Pug dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) playfulness comparison:	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Indian Spitz (Smaller) is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Pug barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Indian Spitz (Smaller) is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Indian Spitz (Smaller) breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Pug dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pug bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Indian Spitz (Smaller) bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Indian Spitz (Smaller) has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) mouthiness comparison:	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Very healthy dog breed.	Indian Spitz (Smaller)s are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Entropion Vaccination Sensitivity Demodectic Mange Distichiasis Corneal Ulcers Dry Eye Hemi-vertebrae Cheyletiella Dermatitis Nerve Degeneration Proptosis Pug Dog Encephalitis Staphylococcus Infection Yeast Infection	No data available
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The Indian Spitz (Smaller) should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Pug and Indian Spitz (Smaller) breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Indian Spitz (Smaller): 14 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) energy level comparison:	Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Low: The Indian Spitz (Smaller) has good luck with genetics. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) coat comparison:	Feathered	Fine	Thick
Colors What are the original Maltese, Pug and Indian Spitz (Smaller) color?	White	Black Fawn	White Brown Black & White
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) grooming comparison:	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Indian Spitz (Smaller) requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Maltese or Pug or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Pug dogs shed above average. See more.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Indian Spitz (Smaller) has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Indian Spitz (Smaller) is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Yes Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No Pug dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes Indian Spitz (Smaller) dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Pug is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Indian Spitz (Smaller) is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Indian Spitz (Smaller)s are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Pug or Indian Spitz (Smaller)? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller)?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Indian Spitz (Smaller) breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Maltese and Pug and Indian Spitz (Smaller) have?	3-5 puppies	2-4 puppies	1-3 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Maltese vs Pug vs Indian Spitz (Smaller) Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	No data available

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